I won’t govern Rivers like a dictator

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the people of the state that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated state experiencing enduring peace.

The governor said in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator, but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the state at heart and is determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.

The governor spoke during the presentation of the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Ateke Michael Tom, as first-class tradition ruler, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.

Fubara stated that during the sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8 bn was approved with 50 per cent contract value paid already as the government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.

He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.

Fubara said, “We are at a crossroads in our state where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a lifetime. So, for now, be one of those people who will be on the course to liberate and free our dear state.

“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our state.

“We will do those things that are right to develop our state. We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us.”

Continuing, he said, ” We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led.”

Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the state, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom.

Also speaking, former Minister of Transportation, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked Fubara for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike people for his administration.